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- 94
Coleccion Roberto Amillo Amontillado Sherry (500ml)

Jerez, SPAIN
$89. 99
Bottle
$1079.88 Dozen

ABV: 21%

Closure: Cork

Other Reviews....
The latest bottling of the NV Amontillado was marked as L211105, so bottled the 5th of November 2011. It has an amber color and a saline nose with notes of nuts, varnish, dry orange peel and some iron. The palate is pungent and finished with a salty and bitter twist. It has 21% alcohol and 8.1 grams of acidity and 6.5 of sugar, but it feels bone dry, balanced and concentrated through evaporation. This saca consists of 2,000 half-liter bottles.
94 Points
Luis Gutiérrez - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

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Coleccion Roberto Amillo Reserva Especial Vermut de Jerez (750ml)

Jerez, SPAIN
$59. 99
Bottle
$719.88 Dozen

ABV: 15%

Roberto Amillo takes Vermouth to new heights with his Reserva Especial which is aged for 6-14 months (depending on your source). Great as an aperitif or dessert wine.
Other reviews... "Despite being a collector from the Rioja, Roberto Amillo is a huge Sherry fan, and working with the Rioja firm of Bodegas Altanza he offers a range of outstanding Sherries and Brandy known as the Colección Roberto Amillo. He was one of the pioneers of the revival of Vermouth produced in Jerez which began some four years ago. The base wine is a blend of Oloroso with an average age of some 15 years and Pedro Ximénez with 6 in which no fewer than 32 botanicals are macerated. The precise formula is secret of course, but it includes wormwood, cinnamon, cardamom, thyme, aniseed, rosemary and clove and once prepared the product is aged in French oak barrels."
- Paula MacLean, jerez-xeres-sherry.blogspot.com
93 points - Peñín Guide

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- 96
- 93
Coleccion Roberto Amillo Oloroso Sherry (500ml)

Jerez, SPAIN
$89. 99
Bottle
$1079.88 Dozen

ABV: 21%

Closure: Cork

Light onion brown colour. Powerfully scented nose of walnut and hazelnut married to flor yeast, dried fruit, light honey and spice. Very dry and quite light upon entry, the palate is flavoured with an assortment nuts including walnut, hazelnut and almond over a flor yeast back drop with traces of dried fruits and spice on the elegant finish. Concludes bone dry with a long salted nut, flor yeast and spice aftertaste.
Alc. 21%

Made from 100% Palomino and aged for 30 years, this stunning example of Oloroso is intense and super complex with dried orange peel and nutty flavours through a seemingly never ending finish. 1,000 bottles were produced.
Other reviews... Roberto Amillo is a fan of Sherry and Brandy who, four years ago, had some old wines put into square bottles, that I had never tasted officially. The wines were sourced with the help of a 'capataz' from different wineries and in general are very old and of high quality. The NV Oloroso (like the Palo Cortado) was sourced from Williams & Humbert, selected from 24 barrels that had belonged to the old Pemartín & Cia winery. It's an old and elegant example of the style, with classical notes of nuts, blonde tobacco, spices and noble woods. The palate is round, lush, soft and elegant, with a spicy and spirity finish. It has the typicity of Oloroso, a common thing throughout the whole range, which was well chosen.
93 points - Luis Gutiérrez, Robert Parker - The Wine Advocate

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NV Colomba Bianca Legadi Vino Liquoroso Zibibbo

Sicily, ITALY
$37. 99
Bottle
$455.88 Dozen

ABV: 16.5%

Closure: Cork

Colomba Bianca, a cooperative of vine growers in Western Sicily, Italy, was established in 1970 and has become one of the largest cooperatives in Sicily. Covering 7500 hectares with 5 wineries across the region, its vineyards vary in altitude from the low coastal areas to the hills reaching 600 meters above sea level.
Legadi Zibibbo is a fortified wine made from Zibibbo grapes (Muscat d’Alessandria) grown in the vineyards of Trapani. The fruit is hand-harvested in mid-September, and immediately pressed for a short fermentation, before being fortified with neural spirit to retain the natural sugar of the grapes. This wine boasts a rich fruit aroma of figs and yellow peach, complemented by hints of orange blossom and sweet spices.
Alc. 16.5%

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Commandaria St.Nicholas Dessert Wine

Troodos Mountains, CYPRUS
$34. 99
Bottle
$419.88 Dozen

ABV: 15%

Closure: Cork

This unique liqueur wine, possessing the aroma and sweetness of honey, matures in oak wood for an extended period and has a tradition and history behind it. Hesiod, who lived around 735 B.C. described how this wine was made from sun exposed grapes. The island of Cyprus was later a favourite resting ground for Crusades returning from battle and later became a centre for the Knights of the Order of St.John. It was the members of this order who discovered a wine that was been produced in the Troodos Mountains. This wine they named Commanderie after their headquarters, finding it to be not only an excellent drink but also to possess therapeutic properties. Made from the indigenous grape varieties Mavro and Xynesteri, the Commandaria St. Nicholas remains a traditional wine of Cyprus and one of the oldest traded wines in the world.

The distinctive honey sweet flavors of ETKO Commandaria earned it a rating of 88 from Wine Spectator. According to Kim Marcus, columnist for Wine Spectator, the Commandaria is, “rich and sweet, with an amber color. Mouth coating, with cream and Sherry-like aromas and flavors dominated by baked pear, caramel and spice. The finish is full of smoke and orange rind notes.” “Best Value” in the November 30, 2003 issue of Wine Spectator. 15% Alc./Vol.

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2011 Croft Porto Vintage Port (750ml)

Douro Valley, PORTUGAL
$135. 00
Bottle
$1620.00 Dozen

ABV: 20%

Closure: Cork

One of the original founding Port houses, Croft traces its origins to 1588 when the company was established in England by Henry Thompson, a member of the Merchants Company of York. In 2001 the firm was acquired by the owners of the Taylor and Fonseca Port houses re-affirming its position as a ‘first growth’ Vintage Port producer. Croft’s Managing Director, Adrian Bridge, has hailed its 2011 release as "...one of the most muscular and powerful of recent Croft Vintages".

Other Reviews...
Effusively juicy, rich and concentrated, showing plenty of snap to the crisp and well-spiced flavors of wild berry, dark currant and plum tart. Orange-infused chocolate notes linger on the exotic, mocha-filled finish. Best from 2020 through 2045. 5,000 cases made. –KM 97 points Wine Spectator Beautiful aromas of violets and blueberries with hints of blue slate. Full body, medium sweet with chewy tannins and a long, long finish. A leafy, stemmy, nutty undertone to this with hints of shaved milk chocolate. Very refined and beautiful. 5,000 cases produced of this foot-trodden wine.
95 Points
James Suckling

The 2011 Croft is initially taciturn on the nose, even after allowing it 20 minutes in my glass. A light swirling immediately awakens the aromatics to offer blackberry, Seville orange marmalade, blueberries and dried fig – complex and quite compelling. There is real mineralite within this bouquet that, returning after 30 minutes, offers alluring ocean spray scents rolling in off the ocean. The palate is medium-bodied with a velvety-smooth opening that belies the fine, structured tannins underneath. It clams up a little towards the finish, shuts the lid tight and consequently there is the sensation of less persistency here compared to the Taylor’s or Fonseca. But Croft has a knack of filling out with bottle age and becomes both gentle and generous with the passing years. Tasted May 2013.
92-95 Points
Neal Martin - Wine Advocate (Jun 2013)

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2011 Croft Porto Vintage Port (375ml)

Douro Valley, PORTUGAL
$64. 99
Bottle
$779.88 Dozen

ABV: 20%

Closure: Cork

One of the original founding Port houses, Croft traces its origins to 1588 when the company was established in England by Henry Thompson, a member of the Merchants Company of York. In 2001 the firm was acquired by the owners of the Taylor and Fonseca Port houses re-affirming its position as a ‘first growth’ Vintage Port producer. Croft’s Managing Director, Adrian Bridge, has hailed its 2011 release as "...one of the most muscular and powerful of recent Croft Vintages".

Other Reviews... Effusively juicy, rich and concentrated, showing plenty of snap to the crisp and well-spiced flavors of wild berry, dark currant and plum tart. Orange-infused chocolate notes linger on the exotic, mocha-filled finish. Best from 2020 through 2045. 5,000 cases made. –KM 97 points Wine Spectator Beautiful aromas of violets and blueberries with hints of blue slate. Full body, medium sweet with chewy tannins and a long, long finish. A leafy, stemmy, nutty undertone to this with hints of shaved milk chocolate. Very refined and beautiful. 5,000 cases produced of this foot-trodden wine.
95 Points - James Suckling

The 2011 Croft is initially taciturn on the nose, even after allowing it 20 minutes in my glass. A light swirling immediately awakens the aromatics to offer blackberry, Seville orange marmalade, blueberries and dried fig – complex and quite compelling. There is real mineralite within this bouquet that, returning after 30 minutes, offers alluring ocean spray scents rolling in off the ocean. The palate is medium-bodied with a velvety-smooth opening that belies the fine, structured tannins underneath. It clams up a little towards the finish, shuts the lid tight and consequently there is the sensation of less persistency here compared to the Taylor’s or Fonseca. But Croft has a knack of filling out with bottle age and becomes both gentle and generous with the passing years. Tasted May 2013.
92 - 95 Points - Neal Martin (e-RobertParker)

Delivery Information
- Nick's Import
Cuesta Fino Sherry

Jerez, SPAIN
$19. 99
Bottle
$239.88 Dozen

ABV: 15%

Following the success of Cuesta's stunning PX , we've expanded the range to include their Fino, Amontillado and Oloroso sherries.
Straw-coloured or golden, finos have a spicy, delicate aroma reminiscent of almonds, and are dry and light in the mouth. Their special properties are the result of the exclusive ageing process under the veil of flor. The very dry finish of Fino is due to the consumption of glycerol by the flor. They typically have an alcohol content of 15º -18o and are best served cold. Enjoy this as a perfect aperitif with roasted almonds or grilled fish.

No tasting notes available.

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- Nick's Import
Cuesta Amontillado Medium Dry Sherry

Jerez, SPAIN
$19. 99
Bottle
$239.88 Dozen

ABV: 17.5%

Following the success of Cuesta's stunning PX , we've expanded the range to include their Fino, Amontillado and Oloroso sherries.
The ageing process used in the creation of Amontillados includes an initial phase under the veil of flor - similar in procedure and duration to that undergone by finos - followed by a phase of oxidative ageing. The result is an amber-coloured wine with aromas of hazelnut, mildly tangy, soft and full in the mouth, with an alcohol content of between 16º and 22º.

The addition of a small amount of Pedro Ximenez to this sherry contributes a light, medium sweet character.
No tasting notes available.

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- Nick's Import
Cuesta Manzanilla Sherry

Jerez, SPAIN
$19. 99
Bottle
$239.88 Dozen

ABV: 15%

This is a pale-coloured, bone dry wine aged in the town of Sanlucar de Barrameda, where cellars are located by the seaside. It offers nutty, sea salt aromas and a light, fresh palate that's tangy and crisp with a hint of saltiness. Serve chilled as an aperitif, it makes a fine accompaniment to shell fish, sushi or smoked salmon. 15% Alc./Vol.

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- Nick's Import
Cuesta Dry Oloroso Sherry

Jerez, SPAIN
$19. 99
Bottle
$239.88 Dozen

ABV: 20%

Following the success of Cuesta's stunning PX , we've expanded the range to include their Fino, Amontillado and Oloroso sherries.
An initially dry wine, from amber to mahogany in colour, with a strong aroma reminiscent of walnuts, full-bodied, with an alcohol content of between 17º and 22º. Ageing begins under the veil of flor, then continues with a phase of oxidative ageing. Olorosos are ideal as aperitifs, as well as with game and red meats.
No tasting notes available.

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2019 Delas La Pastourelle Muscat de Beaumes de Venise

Muscat de Beaumes de Venise, FRANCE
$34. 99
Bottle
$419.88 Dozen

ABV: 15%

Closure: Cork

This wine is made from Muscat a Petit Grain which is grown on limestone-based clay soils in the Beaumes de Venise AOC of the Southern Rhone.
When the grapes reach optimal ripeness they are picked by hand and pressed to tank, where they are allowed to ferment for 21 days. Grape spirit is added to stop the fermentation, fortifying the wine and retaining the natural residual sugar (110g/L). The resultant wine is full-bodied but refreshingly elegant and displays intensely fruity aromas. Pair it with a fruit tart, cheese, or even roast duck.

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- Reduced
Delgado Zuleta La Goya Manzanilla Sherry (375ml) - DAMAGED LABEL

San Lucar de Barrameda, Jerez, SPAIN
Reduced from $26.99
$24. 99
Bottle
$299.88 Dozen

ABV: 15%

Closure: Stelvin

Manzanilla Sherries stay in their blending soleras for at least 3 years and often 5 or more, yet this remarkable amount of care and costly maturation doesn’t translate into higher prices. Unlike 'Grand Cru' Champagne for example, world class Manzanillas are accessible even to those on a modest income. Delagado Zuleta is the oldest family-run Bodega in Sanlúcar de Barrameda, established in 1744. The La Goya brand was created in 1918 when famous Flamenco dancer and Caple singer, Aurora Jauffre, allowed the winery to use her artistic name of 'La Goya' for their best Manzanilla sherry.
Pale straw colour with greenish tinged edges and a watery hue. Nosing evokes aromas of flor yeast, a light nuttiness, bready characters and traces of sea spray as an end note. Light, very fine and fresh with a bone dry finish the palate is elegantly flavoured with dried nuts, flor yeast and a subtle oily breadiness. Dry, lightly salted finish with a medium to long salted nut and flor yeast aftertaste.
Drink now.
Alc. 15%

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- 89
Distillerie de Provence Absenteroux Vermouth a l'Absinthe (750ml)

FRANCE
$44. 99
Bottle
$539.88 Dozen

ABV: 18%

Tasting note: Neon lime green. Lifted, bittersweet herbal aromas include subtle grapefruit, eucalyptus leaf and hints of peppermint confectionary. Second pass finds flashes of dilute fruit juice and minted peas. Odd and a little disjointed. More traditionally vermouth-like on the palate with light to medium bodied, semi-sweet dried herb, fresh grape and citrus zest flavours. Finishes gently bitter, grapefruit-like and long. Unusual. 18% Alc./Vol.

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- 92
- 92
Dow's 10 Year Old Tawny Port

Douro Valley,
$84. 99
Bottle
$1019.88 Dozen

ABV: 20%

Closure: Cork

Dow's are historic producers of long lived, impressively structured Ports, sourced from several exceptional quality vineyards around the Douro. Their house style tends to be drier, more focussed, and aromatic.

Produced from traditional Portuguese varietals and made exclusively from grapes sourced only from the highest classification vineyards. These wines are barrel-aged for at least 10 years in Dow's coastal cellars, concentrating and transforming the wine gradually over time. Despite the extended aging, the wine retains its bright fruit flavours, but gains an impressive amount of complexity.

Other Reviews……
Solid, with hazelnut, fig, plum cake and dried cherry notes in lockstep from start to finish. A streak of hazelnut husk tilts to the drier side of the tawny spectrum, resulting in mouthwatering cut on the finish. Drink now.
92 Points
James Molesworth - Wine Spectator

This is an interesting take on a 10-year-old tawny where it comes across more like a classic Late Bottled Vintage. Full-bodied, medium dry and tannic. Dried berries and a light caramel undertone. Drink now.
92 Points
James Suckling

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Dow's Fine Ruby Port

Douro Valley, PORTUGAL
$39. 99
Bottle
$479.88 Dozen

ABV: 19%

Closure: Cork

Dow's are historic producers of long lived, impressively structured Ports, sourced from several exceptional quality vineyards around the Douro. Their house style tends to be drier, more focussed, and aromatic.

Produced from traditional Portuguese varietals and aged in seasoned oak casks for an average of 3 years, while most other producers age their wines in steel tanks, Dow’s goal is to offer the extra complexity that oak can provide. Ruby Port tends to have more youthful fruit flavours, and is therefore ready to be enjoyed straight away, rather than the cellaring that Vintage Ports require.

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1977 Dow's Silver Jubilee Vintage Port (375ml)

Oporto, PORTUGAL
$199. 00
Bottle
$2388.00 Dozen

Closure: Cork

Tasting note from 1999...1977 for Vintage Port was one of the great vintages in recent memory. Our tasting was the result of a generous gesture from one of our customers to share a part of a bottle with him. Generosity is one of the great qualities of wine lovers. Brick red sienna brown colour, aging gracefully. Superb nose of marzipan and liquorice allsorts. The spirit base contributes to sniffing pleasure, very fine and clean with a lifted hint of prunes. Liquorice allsorts, raisins and toffee superbly welded together in a seamless transition of flavours and enhanced by the velvet texture of the underlying spirit. Perfectly dry finish, followed by an exceptionally long aftertaste. A near perfect wine.

Other Reviews...
This is an extraordinary house that seems to have been particularly successful with its vintage port since 1977.The 1977, still a baby, is fabulously scented, very rich and concentrated, and has a potential longevity of at least another 30-50 years.
93
Robert Paker - erobertparker.com

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- 94
Emilio Lustau Papirusa Light Manzanilla Sherry

Jerez,
$32. 99
Bottle
$395.88 Dozen

Cellar: Drink now - 1 Years (2000-2001)

ABV: 15.5%

Closure: Cork

Pale straw colour. Very pronounced aroma of flor yeast, nut and cashew. Dry palate with salty taste, followed by a strong flor flavour with a nutty background. Excellent length and concentrated flavour, followed by very long persistant aftertaste. Drink now.

Other reviews... Textbook Manzanilla! Papirusa is a clean, mildly salinic offering with green banana and toast aromas. The palate is just salty enough, but the wine’s more about almond, apple and lemon peel than saline. And the feel and finish are nutty and warm. A full-bodied but refreshing style as only Lustau can do.
Rating: 90 points - www.wineenthusiast.com

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- 98
Emilio Lustau San Emilio Pedro Ximenez (375ml)

Jerez, SPAIN
$29. 99
Bottle
$359.88 Dozen

ABV: 17%

Closure: Cork

We’ve given exceptionally good reviews to the Hidalgo and Valdespino Pedro Ximenez, but the Lustau is on another level when it comes to flavour concentration. The only way to describe the viscosity of this wine is to dip a warm tea spoon into a tub of wild honey (not the dilute supermarket sort) and add it to an equal part of warm water. In short the palate weight is about double that of the Hidalgo and Valdespino Pedro Ximenez.

Very deep, dark sienna brown colour with a deep olive green hue. Aroma of molasses, spice, burnt toffee, and treacle. The palate is filled with the flavours of raisin concentrate, with the texture of warm honey. Velvet smooth, layers of molasses and toffee emerge over wild honey and embraced by a warm and mellow spirit back ground. Very long concentrated honey aftertaste.
A superb drink. (2002)
Alc/Vol 17%

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- 98
Emilio Lustau Los Arcos Dry Amontillado Sherry

Jerez, SPAIN
$32. 99
Bottle
$395.88 Dozen

ABV: 18.5%

Closure: Cork

Cool temperatures and relatively high humidity ensure the development of flor yeast cells which protect the underlying Palomino base wine. As the flor dies, the wine slowly develops into Amontillado.
Golden tawny, caramel colour with olive green edge. Wonderful nose with aroma of walnut & hazelnut over a background of flor yeast. The palate is drier than the more commercial Amontillado styles with a distinct nut and salt flavour with walnut and almonds being most defined. Excellent depth and concentration of flavours with the saltiness continuing, followed by a strong flor yeast and hazelnut aftertaste.
Alc./Vol.18.5%

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- 94
Equipo Navazos I Think Manzanilla (375ml)

Sanlucar de Barrameda, SPAIN
$37. 99
Bottle
$455.88 Dozen

Cellar: Drink now (2018)

ABV: 15%

Closure: Stelvin

Bright straw colour with rose gold edges. Intensely scented aromas of hazelnuts and flor yeast rise out of the glass followed by almonds and faint dried fruit notes. Light and very dry the palate has flavours of fresh nuts, flor yeast characters and oyster shell with a subtle salty tang to the fresh finish. Excellent length with a fresh nut, bread, flor yeast and light oyster shell aftertaste.
Drink now.
Alc. 15%

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- 94
Equipo Navazos La Bota 95 Amontillado Navazos

Sanlucar de Barrameda, SPAIN
$165. 00
Bottle
$1980.00 Dozen

ABV: 18.5%

Closure: Cork

Equipo Navazos is perhaps the most significant thing to have happened in the world of Sherry for a very long time. It has some of the most influential people in the fine wine world raving about the quality of these wines, and they are talking about the quality first and the fact that they are Sherries second. These are wines to make Sherry sexy again. They are also as rare as hens’ teeth and are being sought after with the same urgency that wealthy Burgundy collectors seek out the wines of DRC or the greatest Montrachet. This makes sense: these wines are every bit as profound, deep, long and complex as any bottle of DRC (and that is no insult to DRC!)
The Navazos Sherries are drawn from several bodegas, and represent a variety of styles: Manzanilla, Fino, Palo Cortado, Oloroso, Pedro Ximénez, Cream and even a brandy. The wines are bottled in limited series, in successive numbered editions, dated and named “La Bota de….” (the cask of…). The date of each saca, or racking, has been precisely stated on the label so that it is possible to compare editions of the same solera. This also enables precise tracking of the evolution of the wines, as these wines are expected to evolve in the bottle (it’s Sherry, but not as we know it). These are once off bottlings and once the bottles for each La Bota… release are spoken for, there are no more.
Other Reviews....
The following bottling of the Amontillado 58 from 2016 is the NV La Bota de Amontillado 95 Sanlúcar, a saca from November 2019 that is already sold out. It's not a very old wine, around 30 years of age. It has a sharp profile and keeps the freshness because the barrels are kept quite full. It has bitter and iodine flavors, with pungency and length. Drink 2022 - 2029.
94 points
Luis Gutiérrez - Wine Advocate (Sep 09, 2022)

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- 95
Equipo Navazos La Bota 113 Manzanilla Navazos

Sanlucar de Barrameda, SPAIN
$105. 00
Bottle
$1260.00 Dozen

ABV: 15%

Closure: Cork

Equipo Navazos is perhaps the most significant thing to have happened in the world of Sherry for a very long time. It has some of the most influential people in the fine wine world raving about the quality of these wines, and they are talking about the quality first and the fact that they are Sherries second. These are wines to make Sherry sexy again. They are also as rare as hens’ teeth and are being sought after with the same urgency that wealthy Burgundy collectors seek out the wines of DRC or the greatest Montrachet. This makes sense: these wines are every bit as profound, deep, long and complex as any bottle of DRC (and that is no insult to DRC!)
The Navazos Sherries are drawn from several bodegas, and represent a variety of styles: Manzanilla, Fino, Palo Cortado, Oloroso, Pedro Ximénez, Cream and even a brandy. The wines are bottled in limited series, in successive numbered editions, dated and named “La Bota de….” (the cask of…). The date of each saca, or racking, has been precisely stated on the label so that it is possible to compare editions of the same solera. This also enables precise tracking of the evolution of the wines, as these wines are expected to evolve in the bottle (it’s Sherry, but not as we know it). These are once off bottlings and once the bottles for each La Bota… release are spoken for, there are no more.
Other Reviews....
The next bottling after the number 93 is the NV La Bota de Manzanilla 113, which has strong green olive and brine aromas, but it's going for a fresher style and profile, austere and dry and still aged seven years or so under flor. The palate is super dry and long. This is the follow-up to edition 93 that started this new path of more freshness and drinkability but respecting the authenticity of the wines. This is a bit tight, possibly because of the recent bottling. 5,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in June 2022. Drink 2022 - 2029.
95 points
Luis Gutiérrez - Wine Advocate (Sep 09, 2022)

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- 94
Equipo Navazos La Bota 111 Manzanilla Florpower MMXVIII

Sanlucar de Barrameda, SPAIN
$99. 99
Bottle
$1199.88 Dozen

ABV: 15%

Closure: Stelvin

Equipo Navazos is perhaps the most significant thing to have happened in the world of Sherry for a very long time. It has some of the most influential people in the fine wine world raving about the quality of these wines, and they are talking about the quality first and the fact that they are Sherries second. These are wines to make Sherry sexy again. They are also as rare as hens’ teeth and are being sought after with the same urgency that wealthy Burgundy collectors seek out the wines of DRC or the greatest Montrachet. This makes sense: these wines are every bit as profound, deep, long and complex as any bottle of DRC (and that is no insult to DRC!)
The Navazos Sherries are drawn from several bodegas, and represent a variety of styles: Manzanilla, Fino, Palo Cortado, Oloroso, Pedro Ximénez, Cream and even a brandy. The wines are bottled in limited series, in successive numbered editions, dated and named “La Bota de….” (the cask of…). The date of each saca, or racking, has been precisely stated on the label so that it is possible to compare editions of the same solera. This also enables precise tracking of the evolution of the wines, as these wines are expected to evolve in the bottle (it’s Sherry, but not as we know it). These are once off bottlings and once the bottles for each La Bota… release are spoken for, there are no more.
Other Reviews....
The young and tender 2018 La Bota de Manzanilla 111 Florpower MMXVIII was shy and austere, but after bottling (it was bottled in February 2022), it was a bit dizzy in the nose, but the palate shows much better, like many of the 2018 wines I had seen in other bottlings. It's a cooler year with balance and freshness and aging potential. Drink 2022 - 2027.
94 points
Luis Gutiérrez - Wine Advocate (Sep 09, 2022)

Delivery Information
- 92
Equipo Navazos PX Gran Solera 25YO Pedro Ximenez Sherry (375ml)

Jerez, SPAIN
$54. 99
Bottle
$659.88 Dozen

ABV: 16.5%

Closure: Cork

Other Reviews....
I tasted the 2018 release of the PX produced for Australia, the NV PX Navazos Gran Solera, a wine that is 25 years old, sweet and intense, aged in sherry casks in an oxidative way. It has some notes of carob beans, roasted coffee and dark chocolate. The palate is thick and dense, with sweetness but without being heavy or cloying. Wines like this are to be consumed in very small doses, and a bottle can go a long way, as the wine is very stable and does not suffer—it even improves—when the bottle is opened. Drink 2019 - 2022.
92 Points
Luis Gutiérrez - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Delivery Information
- 98
Equipo Navazos La Bota 109 Amontillado Bota Punta (375ml)

Sanlucar de Barrameda, SPAIN
$270. 00
Bottle
$3240.00 Dozen

ABV: 22%

Closure: Cork

Equipo Navazos is perhaps the most significant thing to have happened in the world of Sherry for a very long time. It has some of the most influential people in the fine wine world raving about the quality of these wines, and they are talking about the quality first and the fact that they are Sherries second. These are wines to make Sherry sexy again. They are also as rare as hens’ teeth and are being sought after with the same urgency that wealthy Burgundy collectors seek out the wines of DRC or the greatest Montrachet. This makes sense: these wines are every bit as profound, deep, long and complex as any bottle of DRC (and that is no insult to DRC!)
The Navazos Sherries are drawn from several bodegas, and represent a variety of styles: Manzanilla, Fino, Palo Cortado, Oloroso, Pedro Ximénez, Cream and even a brandy. The wines are bottled in limited series, in successive numbered editions, dated and named “La Bota de….” (the cask of…). The date of each saca, or racking, has been precisely stated on the label so that it is possible to compare editions of the same solera. This also enables precise tracking of the evolution of the wines, as these wines are expected to evolve in the bottle (it’s Sherry, but not as we know it). These are once off bottlings and once the bottles for each La Bota… release are spoken for, there are no more.
Jesus Barquín introduces La Bota 109 as “another great wine of very old age and a lot of character within the La Bota series”. This old Amontillado was bottled from the ‘treasure’ casks looked after at the Albarizas de Trebujena cooperative, northwest of Sanlúcar. Barquín and Ojeda draw comparison with the legendary La Bota de NPI No.5 Amontillado Viejísimo, released very early in the Navazos story. Firstly, it’s fresh in character despite the tremendous age and concentration: “We believe that those who remember La Bota de NPI No.5 will find here clear echoes of that wine, perhaps in this case with an even greater sense of age and concentration”.
Secondly, the uncertainty about its origin: the cooperative was founded in 1977, but the wine and casks that include this Amontillado are much older and it is not entirely clear how they got there. Nor do the veterans at Albarizas de Trebujena agree on whether the wine was considered an old Amontillado or an old Oloroso when it arrived decades ago. In Barquín’s learned opinion, it shows a clear profile of Amontillado from Trebujena, with a style shared—not by chance—with Sanlúcar.
Other Reviews....
The NV La Bota de Amontillado Bota Punta 109 is a very old wine they selected from the cooperative of Trebujena that had never been bottled before. The cooperative was created in 1970, but one of the members had these butts from before; their history was really unknown, but the wine has a profile of coastal Amontillado (from Sanlúcar or Trebujena) with less glycerin, sharp and saline, not as sharp or as bitter as the iconic NPI but with crazy numbers—alcohol, acidity, dry extract and everything. It's very intense but very balanced. An amazing wine that should live forever. It was bottled into 1,200 half bottles (one bota) in October 2021. Drink 2022 - 2050.
98 points
Luis Gutiérrez - Wine Advocate (Sep 2022)

Delivery Information
- 93
Equipo Navazos La Bota 70 Manzanilla Pasada Magnum (1500ml)

Sanlucar de Barrameda, SPAIN
$230. 00
Bottle
$2760.00 Dozen

ABV: 16%

Closure: Cork

Equipo Navazos is perhaps the most significant thing to have happened in the world of Sherry for a very long time. It has some of the most influential people in the fine wine world raving about the quality of these wines, and they are talking about the quality first and the fact that they are Sherries second. These are wines to make Sherry sexy again. They are also as rare as hens’ teeth and are being sought after with the same urgency that wealthy Burgundy collectors seek out the wines of DRC or the greatest Montrachet. This makes sense: these wines are every bit as profound, deep, long and complex as any bottle of DRC (and that is no insult to DRC!)
The Navazos Sherries are drawn from several bodegas, and represent a variety of styles: Manzanilla, Fino, Palo Cortado, Oloroso, Pedro Ximénez, Cream and even a brandy. The wines are bottled in limited series, in successive numbered editions, dated and named “La Bota de….” (the cask of…). The date of each saca, or racking, has been precisely stated on the label so that it is possible to compare editions of the same solera. This also enables precise tracking of the evolution of the wines, as these wines are expected to evolve in the bottle (it’s Sherry, but not as we know it). These are once off bottlings and once the bottles for each La Bota… release are spoken for, there are no more.
Other Reviews....
I also previewed the first ever Manzanilla Pasada from Navazos to be released exclusively in magnum (there have been a bunch of magnums from the Navazos-Niepoort wines, though), the NV La Bota de Manzanilla Pasada 70 Mágnum. This is a little younger than the other bottlings of Manzanilla Pasada, and also a little lighter. Eduardo Ojeda started putting some wines away in the Calle Misericordia winery, some 41 casks that were turned into criaderas of the manzanilla pasada; and from those casks, he selected 2,000 liters that put into two 1,000-liter barrels that are thought to be over 100 years of age. The wine can be around ten-years-old. They also sourced a younger wine to make the magnums more affordable. It has the more oxidative character than the older wines, as if the begging of the oxidative phase is somehow disturbing after the long biological aging. The wine shows much better in the palate where you find a solid wine. This is a younger brother (or sister) of the older manzanillas pasadas, which should develop nicely once it is bottled - and especially in magnum. They expect to fill 1,300 magnums from two 1,000-liter barrels. This is the price for a magnum. Drink 2016 - 2024.
93-96 points
Luis Gutiérrez - Wine Advocate (Apr 2016)

Delivery Information
- 97
Equipo Navazos La Bota 100 Manzanilla Pasada Botas NO (500ml)

Sanlucar de Barrameda, SPAIN
$199. 00
Bottle
$2388.00 Dozen

ABV: 16.5%

Closure: Cork

Equipo Navazos is perhaps the most significant thing to have happened in the world of Sherry for a very long time. It has some of the most influential people in the fine wine world raving about the quality of these wines, and they are talking about the quality first and the fact that they are Sherries second. These are wines to make Sherry sexy again. They are also as rare as hens’ teeth and are being sought after with the same urgency that wealthy Burgundy collectors seek out the wines of DRC or the greatest Montrachet. This makes sense: these wines are every bit as profound, deep, long and complex as any bottle of DRC (and that is no insult to DRC!)
The Navazos Sherries are drawn from several bodegas, and represent a variety of styles: Manzanilla, Fino, Palo Cortado, Oloroso, Pedro Ximénez, Cream and even a brandy. The wines are bottled in limited series, in successive numbered editions, dated and named “La Bota de….” (the cask of…). The date of each saca, or racking, has been precisely stated on the label so that it is possible to compare editions of the same solera. This also enables precise tracking of the evolution of the wines, as these wines are expected to evolve in the bottle (it’s Sherry, but not as we know it). These are once off bottlings and once the bottles for each La Bota… release are spoken for, there are no more.
Other Reviews....
The next of the single-cask Manzanilla Pasada (80, 60, 50, 40 and 20) is the NV La Bota de Manzanilla Pasada 100 Botas NO, selected from three butts (botas, in plural) to have more volume of the wine number 100. It's a bottling that always had more demand than supply. So, they made more bottles—2,700 half-liter ones and some larger formats. It was bottled in October 2020. Like in previous bottlings, it's bottled at 16.5% alcohol at an estimated average age of 15 years, the first 10 years under flor and the subsequent five with the barrels fully topped up, following an oxidative aging. This has more concentration and extract than the 110 I tasted next to it, but I favored the elegance and finesse of that other one. Still, it's a stratospheric wine, an explosion of concentration, flavors and minerality, a little more oxidative. 2022 - 2030.
97 points
Luis Gutiérrez - Wine Advocate (Sep 2022)
Bottled October 2020. Fruit from Miraflora La Baja vineyard. This 100th bottling, which coincides with the 15th anniversary of the beginning of Equipo Navazos, is the result of combining the Bota Punta cask with two other outstanding casks from the 1/15 solera at bodega Misericordia, from which all the editions of Bota Punta and Bota NO Manzanilla Pasada have come since the first one (no 20). This has allowed them to make more bottles of this wine, for which they expect higher demand. Their website notes: 'This Manzanilla Pasada is actually close to being a Manzanilla Amontillada, a traditional denomination that is banned from labels. Part of the character of this wine comes from the fact that the casks are filled up to a tocadedos level – well above the 5/6 mark that is common in the sherry district, so the layer of flor inside these butts (much weakened by the age and lack of nutrients of the wine) is significantly smaller and thinner and can be kept alive solely on the basis of rare periodic refreshments – acting as barely sufficient barrier between the wine and the intensely oxidising effect of air. On the other hand, its very weakness implies that this protective effect is only a mild one, which is evidenced in the oxidative notes of this manzanilla as well as the rising level of alcohol, climbing above 16%. The average age of this wine is around 14 years.' TA 5.39 g/l, pH 3.14.
Pale gold. Stunning aroma that has the complexity of a Manzanilla on its way to becoming an Amontillado. It has all the salty, mineral iodine side of the Manzanilla and the nutty, bitter (completely non-sweet) toffee of Amontillado. Perhaps even heather honey without the sweetness. The taste makes me think of the colour burnt umber. With air it is more intensely mineral. On the palate, this is glorious, with light notes of bitter orange/apricot, a depth of flavour that is quite remarkable given its accompanying delicacy and subtlety. The balance is perfect: so fresh, so intense, it invades your mouth and goes on for ever. The Equipo Navazos team, Jesús Barquín and Eduardo Ojeda, note the versatility of this wine at the table: 'it matches a wide variety of dishes, from the most easygoing (rich fish dishes, fish-based rice recipes, charcuterie) to the most difficult (scrambled eggs with porcini, runny sheep cheeses)'. I could just sip it very, very slowly all evening. Drink 2020 - 2030.
20/20 points
Julia Harding MW - jancisrobinson.com

Delivery Information
- 95
Equipo Navazos La Bota 93 Manzanilla

Sanlucar de Barrameda, SPAIN
$99. 99
Bottle
$1199.88 Dozen

ABV: 15%

Closure: Cork

Equipo Navazos is perhaps the most significant thing to have happened in the world of Sherry for a very long time. It has some of the most influential people in the fine wine world raving about the quality of these wines, and they are talking about the quality first and the fact that they are Sherries second. These are wines to make Sherry sexy again. They are also as rare as hens’ teeth and are being sought after with the same urgency that wealthy Burgundy collectors seek out the wines of DRC or the greatest Montrachet. This makes sense: these wines are every bit as profound, deep, long and complex as any bottle of DRC (and that is no insult to DRC!)

The Navazos Sherries are drawn from several bodegas, and represent a variety of styles: Manzanilla, Fino, Palo Cortado, Oloroso, Pedro Ximénez, Cream and even a brandy. The wines are bottled in limited series, in successive numbered editions, dated and named “La Bota de….” (the cask of…). The date of each saca, or racking, has been precisely stated on the label so that it is possible to compare editions of the same solera. This also enables precise tracking of the evolution of the wines, as these wines are expected to evolve in the bottle (it’s Sherry, but not as we know it). These are once off bottlings and once the bottles for each La Bota… release are spoken for, there are no more.

Other Reviews....
One of the better-known wines from Navazos has been the Manzanilla, which has been bottled unfiltered a number of times, and it now reaches us as the NV La Bota de Manzanilla 93, which is now sourced from La Guita (in the old days, it was from Sánchez Ayala; the source changed with edition 71) and averages seven years of age under flor. This is going to be the next release after edition 71, which was bottled almost three years ago. They want to make less frequent bottlings and let the wines develop in bottle. This certainly has the Guita character, mineral and austere with the explosive youth that often bring aromas of lemon peel and delicious bitter notes in the finish. This is really young and tender and should develop nicely in bottle. This seems to be a little lighter and more approachable. As they already have a lot of old and concentrated wines, it's good to have a less demanding and more approachable Manzanilla. 5,000 bottles. Drink 2019 - 2024.
95 points
Luis Gutiérrez - Wine Advocate (June 2019)

Bottled July 2019. 5,000 bottles. This is the ninth release of La Bota de Manzanilla, this one sourced from the same soleras as 71. It comes from a selection among several dozens of toneles and botas, casks that have been carefully put to one side and looked after by Eduardo Ojeda and his team since they arrived in Sanlúcar in January 2007. The estimated average age of this Manzanilla is seven years.
Pale gold. Strong hay-like, dusty, sour-saline freshness, brine and oyster shells. Fabulous intensity and freshness but still has some weight on the mid palate, with salted bready flavours and electric tension. Very long. Utterly mouth-watering: a perfect appetite whetter. The flavour just goes on and on. Utterly pure. Breathtaking intensity with no aggressive power. Drink 2019 - 2024.
17.5/20 points
Julia Harding MW - jancisrobinson.com

Delivery Information
- 95
Equipo Navazos La Bota 91 Fino Macharnudo Alto Jerez

Jerez, SPAIN
$110. 00
Bottle
$1320.00 Dozen

ABV: 15%

Closure: Cork

Equipo Navazos is perhaps the most significant thing to have happened in the world of Sherry for a very long time. It has some of the most influential people in the fine wine world raving about the quality of these wines, and they are talking about the quality first and the fact that they are Sherries second. These are wines to make Sherry sexy again. They are also as rare as hens’ teeth and are being sought after with the same urgency that wealthy Burgundy collectors seek out the wines of DRC or the greatest Montrachet. This makes sense: these wines are every bit as profound, deep, long and complex as any bottle of DRC (and that is no insult to DRC!)

The Navazos Sherries are drawn from several bodegas, and represent a variety of styles: Manzanilla, Fino, Palo Cortado, Oloroso, Pedro Ximénez, Cream and even a brandy. The wines are bottled in limited series, in successive numbered editions, dated and named “La Bota de….” (the cask of…). The date of each saca, or racking, has been precisely stated on the label so that it is possible to compare editions of the same solera. This also enables precise tracking of the evolution of the wines, as these wines are expected to evolve in the bottle (it’s Sherry, but not as we know it). These are once off bottlings and once the bottles for each La Bota… release are spoken for, there are no more.

Other Reviews....
The NV La Bota de Fino 91 Macharnudo Alto is a wine that has been bottled multiple times under the numbers 2, 7, 15, 18, 27, 35, 54 and 68 from the Fino Inocente solera of Valdespino. The bottled wine averages an age of ten years, a full-bodied Fino (if that's possible after ten years of flor!), fermented in old sherry casks like it was done yesteryear. They had not bottled this wine for almost three years. The nose is spectacular and easy to identify; it has the same character as the Inocente wines. The nose was singing and expressive, with typical aromas but also somehow floral and perfumed. It has volume with lots of autolysis from the lees, with great power but also finesse and balance. Stunning. 5,000 bottles produced. Drink 2019 - 2024.
95 points
Luis Gutiérrez - Wine Advocate (June 2019)

Casks with a fresher profile chosen because 68 was more mature and they wanted to go back to a slightly fresher style, less uncompromisng. Bottled February 2019. A combination of solera and 1st and 2nd criadera. 10 years average age. From Innocente solera as usual.
Surprisingly deeply coloured, pale gold. Super-intense aroma that is salty, bready and full of dried grasses and chamomile but also has some wild tangy yellow fruit that gives intensity and depth on the palate, creamy richness from the autolysis. So incredibly saline. Revved-up Fino but still elegant. Intensely mouth-watering and cries out for food. Long and precise. Drink 2019 - 2025.
18/20 points
Julia Harding MW - jancisrobinson.com

Delivery Information
- 99
Equipo Navazos La Bota 94 Oloroso Viejisimo “Mas alla del NO” (375ml)

Jerez, SPAIN
$299. 00
Bottle
$3588.00 Dozen

ABV: 22%

Closure: Cork

Equipo Navazos is perhaps the most significant thing to have happened in the world of Sherry for a very long time. It has some of the most influential people in the fine wine world raving about the quality of these wines, and they are talking about the quality first and the fact that they are Sherries second. These are wines to make Sherry sexy again. They are also as rare as hens’ teeth and are being sought after with the same urgency that wealthy Burgundy collectors seek out the wines of DRC or the greatest Montrachet. This makes sense: these wines are every bit as profound, deep, long and complex as any bottle of DRC (and that is no insult to DRC!)
The Navazos Sherries are drawn from several bodegas, and represent a variety of styles: Manzanilla, Fino, Palo Cortado, Oloroso, Pedro Ximénez, Cream and even a brandy. The wines are bottled in limited series, in successive numbered editions, dated and named “La Bota de….” (the cask of…). The date of each saca, or racking, has been precisely stated on the label so that it is possible to compare editions of the same solera. This also enables precise tracking of the evolution of the wines, as these wines are expected to evolve in the bottle (it’s Sherry, but not as we know it). These are once off bottlings and once the bottles for each La Bota… release are spoken for, there are no more.
This is an extremely old and powerful sherry that belongs to the same category as the noblest relics of the Sherry world, including Navazos No. 5 “NPI”, No. 14 Oloroso, No. 47 Palo Cortado and No. 49 Amontillado, among others. Just 750 half bottles were filled from a single butt of very old Oloroso raised by Eduardo Ojeda in Jerez. It is a double NO, or ‘cask beyond’, meaning that it contains an even older wine than the respective Bota NO. Not only is the age of this release clearly extreme—something close to 80 or 90 years—this is the first time the solera has been commercially bottled in over 20 years!
Other Reviews....
The unique NV La Bota de Oloroso Más allá del NO 94 comes from a single butt of extremely old Oloroso from Valdespino. It's a wine that goes beyond the Bota NO concept, because it's an even older wine that has the signs of very old wine, with extreme concentration, evaporation and high alcohol and acidity. Often such wines are too much, and the rarity is to find a wine where you can mention elegance, as they can be aggressive (and sometimes even painful). This has notes of iodine, coconut, varnish and liqueur, finishing dry and long. Not long, eternal... They bottled 75 half bottles produced. Drink 2022 - 2050.
99 points
Luis Gutiérrez - Wine Advocate (Sep 2022)

Delivery Information
- 94
Equipo Navazos La Bota 92 Palo Cortado Pata de Gallina (500ml)

Jerez, SPAIN
$199. 00
Bottle
$2388.00 Dozen

ABV: 20.5%

Closure: Cork

Equipo Navazos is perhaps the most significant thing to have happened in the world of Sherry for a very long time. It has some of the most influential people in the fine wine world raving about the quality of these wines, and they are talking about the quality first and the fact that they are Sherries second. These are wines to make Sherry sexy again. They are also as rare as hens’ teeth and are being sought after with the same urgency that wealthy Burgundy collectors seek out the wines of DRC or the greatest Montrachet. This makes sense: these wines are every bit as profound, deep, long and complex as any bottle of DRC (and that is no insult to DRC!)

The Navazos Sherries are drawn from several bodegas, and represent a variety of styles: Manzanilla, Fino, Palo Cortado, Oloroso, Pedro Ximénez, Cream and even a brandy. The wines are bottled in limited series, in successive numbered editions, dated and named “La Bota de….” (the cask of…). The date of each saca, or racking, has been precisely stated on the label so that it is possible to compare editions of the same solera. This also enables precise tracking of the evolution of the wines, as these wines are expected to evolve in the bottle (it’s Sherry, but not as we know it). These are once off bottlings and once the bottles for each La Bota… release are spoken for, there are no more.

Other Reviews....
The NV La Bota de Palo Cortado 92 "Pata de Gallina" comes from the same solera as edition 72 (and 34), with wine that averages 35 years of age. It was sourced from the Almacenista Juan García Jarana and matured in the Fernando de Castilla winery. This feels older and has the reductive aromas of matchstick and old church. It seems like the wine has aged a little faster, perhaps in a more oxidative way. It has character and a touch of earthy rusticity, with great concentration, perhaps not as elegant as some of the other wines I tasted next to it. 2,000 half-liter bottles produced.
94 points
Luis Gutiérrez - Wine Advocate (June 2019)

Mid orangey gold. More apricot and orange here compared with the older Bota NO 79 Cream, almost a touch of vanilla but still the intensity of reduced-down bitter oranges, walnut skins too. On the palate the fruit is more rounded and generous, less severe concentration but still amazing intensity. Packed with sweet/bitter orange and a mouth-filling richness but no lack of freshness. So different from the Bota NO. Seems more youthful, more lively, less demanding, perhaps.
18.5/20 points
Julia Harding MW - jancisrobinson.com

Delivery Information
- 95
Equipo Navazos La Bota 86 Palo Cortado “Bota NO” (375ml)

Montilla Moriles, SPAIN
$299. 00
Bottle
$3588.00 Dozen

ABV: 19%

Closure: Cork

Equipo Navazos is perhaps the most significant thing to have happened in the world of Sherry for a very long time. It has some of the most influential people in the fine wine world raving about the quality of these wines, and they are talking about the quality first and the fact that they are Sherries second. These are wines to make Sherry sexy again. They are also as rare as hens’ teeth and are being sought after with the same urgency that wealthy Burgundy collectors seek out the wines of DRC or the greatest Montrachet. This makes sense: these wines are every bit as profound, deep, long and complex as any bottle of DRC (and that is no insult to DRC!)

The Navazos Sherries are drawn from several bodegas, and represent a variety of styles: Manzanilla, Fino, Palo Cortado, Oloroso, Pedro Ximénez, Cream and even a brandy. The wines are bottled in limited series, in successive numbered editions, dated and named “La Bota de….” (the cask of…). The date of each saca, or racking, has been precisely stated on the label so that it is possible to compare editions of the same solera. This also enables precise tracking of the evolution of the wines, as these wines are expected to evolve in the bottle (it’s Sherry, but not as we know it). These are once off bottlings and once the bottles for each La Bota… release are spoken for, there are no more.

Other Reviews....
The extremely old wines are bottled in half bottles, but the NV La Bota de Palo Cortado 86 Bota NO taken from a single cask is not that old; it's around 30 years of age and from Montilla-Moriles, not from Jerez, and therefore produced with Pedro Ximénez grapes (selected because of the variety's purity and finesse) instead of Palomino. It was produced by Pérez Barquero, one of the finest producers in Montilla-Moriles—as the finesse of this wine confirms. This is now 19% alcohol, allegedly from sheer concentration through evaporation. But this is not as concentrated and pungent as the extremely old wines; this feels lighter and more delicate, with the finesse and verticality (even if it was never aged under flor) that is expected from the biological wines. It started its life as an Oloroso, but given that fine character, it was deemed a Palo Cortado. And even within the Palo Cortado, this is extremely elegant. This is a true Palo Cortado, a fine oxidative wine. 1,100 bottles were filled in October 2018.
95 points
Luis Gutiérrez - Wine Advocate (June 2019)

Light golden brown. Intensely nutty aroma, walnuts, bitter toffee and caramelised bitter orange, with a sour, provocative and beckoning intensity. I wonder if I might even think it was madeira on the nose if I had been given it blind. On the palate, the concentration is immense but there’s none of the bitterness that you sometimes get on very intense and mature sherry. There’s something a little roasted here but not coffee, smoky perhaps. Even with all this concentration, it finishes wonderfully fresh and goes on for ever so that it is almost a chewy food. As it opens, I find something like dried flowers and lavender. Incredibly complex.
19/20 points
Julia Harding MW - jancisrobinson.com

Delivery Information
- 93
Equipo Navazos Fino (375ml)

Jerez, SPAIN
$27. 99
Bottle
$335.88 Dozen

Cellar: Drink now (2018)

ABV: 15%

Closure: Stelvin

Deep straw colour with a golden tinge to the edges and a watery hue. Nosing reveals a delicate aromatic profile of hazelnuts, flor yeast, almonds and light briny notes. Very dry and light across the palate, nutty flavours dominate over yeasty characters, a hint of iodine and brine. Finishes with good freshness and a lingering briny, nut, flor yeast infused aftertaste.
Drink now.
Alc. 15%

Delivery Information
- 96
- 95
- 95
2009 Fonseca Vintage Port

Douro Valley, PORTUGAL
$130. 00
Bottle
$1560.00 Dozen

Cellar: Drink now - 10 Years (2022-2032)

ABV: 20.5%

Closure: Cork

Dense midnight black heart with a very deep black dark red hue. Intense liquorice and morello cherry aromas are followed by hints of marzipan, prune, vanillin confectionary and spice. The lush, concentrated palate is saturated with liquorice, black cherry and morello cherry fruit. Marzipan, fine spirit, subtle earthy tar, leather and spice linger on the dry finish. The tannins are becoming more integrated yet still assert their presence. Outstanding power concluding long with a sweet almondy aftertaste.
Drink over the next 8-10 years.
Alc. 20.5%
Other Reviews….
This is gorgeously vibrant and grapey, with good cut to the luscious dark fruit and cedar flavors that are flanked by zesty acidity and tannins. A touch brooding midpalate, with a minerally rush and a finish of slate and iron. Best from 2016 through 2036.
95 points
Wine Spectator
A classic Fonseca, rich and powerful, with just an extra edge of weight from the vintage. It has a dry character, a tannic edge that gives great promise, but the open-hearted fruit is all there. A wonderfully intense wine for aging.
95 points
Roger Voss – Wine Enthusiast

Delivery Information
- 90
2012 Fonseca Late Bottled Vintage Port

PORTUGAL
$54. 99
Bottle
$659.88 Dozen

ABV: 20%

Closure: Cork

Other Reviews....
The 2012 Late Bottled Vintage Port is an unfiltered field blend and comes in with 105 grams of residual sugar. It was bottled with a bar-top cork after five years in used French oak. Sexy but elegant, this is chock-full of delicious fruit, sweet on the end and relatively fresh. The mid-palate is just average in depth, but the classic Port flavors are all up front. In its youth, it does have a bit of an exuberant feel despite the freshness. Generally, people don't age LBVs with bar-top corks, but this can hold, if there no cork failure, and develop a bit too. Happily, you can also drink it right now. Drink 2018 - 2025.
90 Points
Mark Squires - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (April 2018)

Delivery Information
- 97
- 95
- 95
- 95
- 96
- 96
- 98
- 97
2017 Fonseca Vintage Port (375ml)

Douro Valley, PORTUGAL
$99. 99
Bottle
$1199.88 Dozen

Cellar: 10 - 20 Years (2032-2042)

ABV: 20%

Closure: Cork

Magnificent colour displaying an impenetrable inky black core with an equally dense hue. Still a touch reticent the nose slowly opens to reveal alluring liquorice and confectionary scents which meld into a mix of morello cherry, well integrated spirit and spice notes. Rich, luscious morello cherry and liquorice flavours are backed by rugged, muscly tannins which lend firmness and structure for the long haul. Marzipan, infusions of vanilla and spice ensue. Exceptionally intense and powerful it finishes long, dense and robust.
Cellar 10-20+ years.
Alc. 20%
Other Reviews....
The 2017 Vintage Port, not quite bottled when seen but the final blend, is a field blend (with typical grapes like Touriga Nacional, Touriga Francesca, Tinto Cão, Tinta Roriz and Tinta Barroca) aged for approximately 20 months in used French oak. It comes in with 98 grams of residual sugar, a little drier on paper than its Taylor sibling this year. Sappy and sensational in flavor and fruit, this seemingly has moderate tannins around the edges on first taste, velvety texture and a long finish. Despite the first impression of moderation, there is plenty of power here. As it got some aeration, it showed nothing but power and closed down fairly hard. The combination of great fruit and fine structure makes this a potentially great Fonseca, but right now it is obviously immature and not showing everything it has. I'd recommend some patience here.
96-98 points
Mark Squires - Wine Advocate (July 2019)
Picking began at Quinta do Panascal on September 6, the two other quintas in Pinhão that form the 2017 Fonseca Vintage Port, Cruzeiro and Santo António picked on 10 and 17 September respectively. One of the deepest, most opaque color amongst the new Port alumni, it has one of the most backward, almost recalcitrant noses that demands a lot of aeration. It gradually opens to reveal blackberry, melted tar, thyme, clove and violet aromas that are well defined, if maybe just missing the same breeding as Taylor’s. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin. This is fresh and detailed, a slightly more structured Fonseca than expected, quite strict at first with good grip and a lightly spiced, precise finish. Powerful and long on the aftertaste, you can feel this Fonseca 60 seconds after the wine has exited. It deserves 10-15 years in bottle. Excellent, but patience required. The most enigmatic of the 2017 Vintage Ports. Total production is 8,100 cases.
95 points
Neal Martin - Vinous
Ripe and soft with loads of plummy, smoky and earthy character. Full body. Very sweet. Round and very soft textured. Flavorful finish. Drink in 2025 and onwards.
95 points
jamessuckling.com
Dark and dense, with fig bread, baker's chocolate and tar notes leading off before the core flavors of plum, black currant and blackberry paste finally start to emerge. The wild, spirited finish shows cast iron, licorice snap and roasted alder elements, delivering a decidedly chewy feel. A big, old-school, throwback Port that will age at a glacial pace. Best from 2035 through 2060.
97 points
James Molesworth - Wine Spectator
The wine's fine perfumed black plum fruits give a wonderful jammy character while bringing out a fresh edge. These are balanced by the dry core of this beautiful wine with its rich, generous tannins. It will all come together from 2030 in a very fine, integrated wine.
98 points
Roger Voss - Wine Enthusiast
Already beautifully integrated, this is showing great purity and poise. It's open and in its first bloom of youth, with lovely aromatic red berry fruit and floral aromas, plus a touch of leafiness. It's soft and fleshy initially, seemingly not as big as its stablemate Taylor's - and not quite so deep in colour - though with dark chocolate concentration and mid-palate firmness. Lovely full, ripe tannins mass in the mouth, well defined, with fresh berry fruit remerging on the broad, expansive finish.
95 points
Richard Mayson - Decanter
Deepest purple. Wild, perfectly ripe small black berries like elderberry but also the lush sweetness of ripe blackberries plus a stony, rocky edge and just a touch charry. Lush, plush and exotic on the palate, deep-pile, compact, smooth tannins, just enough freshness to balance the rich generosity. The finish is beautifully dry-tasting, the tannins melting on the long finish.
17.5/20 points
Julia Harding MW - jancisrobinson.com

Delivery Information
- 96
Fonseca Bicentenary Edition Crusted Port

Douro Valley, PORTUGAL
$44. 99
Bottle
$539.88 Dozen

Cellar: 8 - 10 Years (2023-2025)

ABV: 20%

Closure: Cork

This is a special commemorative bottling to celebrate 200 years of the house of Fonseca. Crusted is a traditional style of Port and Fonseca is one of the few firms that continue to produce it. It is a blend of full bodied wines which spend four years ageing in large wooden vats, the wines are then bottled with no filtration and cellared for three years before being released for sale. As the name indicates, it will form a 'crust' or sediment in the bottle and should be decanted before being served.

Bottled in 2008 this excellent port displays a totally opaque inky black colour with a deep very dark red black hue. Lifted aromas of black plum, liquorice and raisins with some well integrated brandy spirit, marzipan and spice also present. Full bodied the palate has superb richness and a luscious textural feel delivering mouthfilling flavours of Morello cherries, liquorice and raisins with well integrated brandy spirit and marzipan following. Clean dry finish showing excellent balance. Long aftertaste of liquorice, ripe Morello cherry, raisins and marzipan.
Drink over the next 8-10 years.
Alc 20%

Delivery Information
- 99
2011 Fonseca Porto Vintage Port (375ml)

Douro Valley, PORTUGAL
$69. 99
Bottle
$839.88 Dozen

ABV: 20%

Closure: Cork

Bottled in 2013. Outstanding inky black purple colour with very deep black purple hue that stains the sides of the glass. Nosing results in an intense aromatic sniff of liquorice allsorts, morello cherry and blackberry infused with beautifully integrated fine brandy spirit followed by some vanilla, raisins and spice. Thick, luscious and ultra rich flavours of liquorice, blackberries and morello cherries fully encompass every crevasse of the palate followed by some fine old brandy spirit, subtle raisins and spice. Dry finish. The wines outstanding power and concentration are perfectly counterpointed by firm seemingly assertive tannins that provide some grip yet are obscured by the Ports overwhelming richness and density. Exceptionally long liquorice, blackberry, morello cherry, raisins, fine brandy spirit and spice aftertaste.
Cellar 20-30 years plus (2024 - 2034)
Alc 20%

Other Reviews... The Fonseca 2011 is typically more forthcoming on the nose compared to the bashful Croft: a strident bouquet with lifted scents of freshly picked blackberries, kirsch, crushed stone and a dash of Hoi Sin and oyster sauce. It is very well-defined, very focused and direct. The palate is silky smooth with not a rough edge in sight, though not a typically voluptuous Fonseca because of the keen thread of acidity and the structure that lends this mighty Port wonderful backbone. A slight viscosity on the finish lacquers the tongue and indicates a core of sweet fruit is ticking away underneath that will surely explode several years after bottling. A tincture of salted licorice on the aftertaste is very attractive. This will turn out to become an outstanding Fonseca, the growing season taming its exuberance with spectacular results. So much potential, but just 6,000 cases were produced. Tasted May 2013.
97-99 points - Neal Martin - Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate

Massive, concentrated and powerful, this offers lush, heady flavors of dark plum, blackberry and cherry tart, with touches of anise. Shows plenty of grip as well, featuring a long, rich finish of dark chocolate, toffee and cream. Best from 2040 through 2060. From Portugal.
-K.M. 98 points - Wine Specatator

Delivery Information
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- 97
2016 Fonseca Vintage Port

Douro Valley, PORTUGAL
$199. 00
Bottle
$2388.00 Dozen

Cellar: 15 - 20 Years (2034-2039)

ABV: 20.5%

Closure: Cork

Impenetrable glass staining pitch black colour with a youthful looking deep dark red black hue. The nose sings a glorious tune of ripe Morello cherries, marzipan and liquorice with ripe blackberry, vanilla, fine brandy spirit and spicy raisins the back drop. The palate is slightly heavier and possesses a shade more intensity and opulence than the Taylors with rich, voluminous fruit flooding the mouth in decadent fashion. Cascading waves of liquorice allsorts, blackberries, black and Morello cherries sit over vanillin confectionary, marzipan like characters and spicy raisins. Spectacular power and concentration with very structured, firm, chewy tannins. Superb integration of spirit and a finish that never seems to end.
Cellar 15-20 years plus.
Alc. 20.5%

Other Reviews....
The 2016 Vintage Port is a field blend sourced from the typical three Quintas (Panascal in the Tavora Valley and Quinta do Cruzeiro and Quinta de St Antonio in the Pinhão Valley). This was not quite bottled when first seen (set for a week later). It is now in the USA. It was aged for 20 months in wood and comes in with 99 grams of residual sugar. This dry and focused Fonseca was, in my initial July 2018 report, the pick of the Fladgate Group's litter in 2016. What has most changed in this issue is that Taylor's is showing a lot better while this has closed down a bit more. This is not seriously diminished, though. It is pretty brilliant. If you want that old-school power, it comes with Fonseca in this vintage. Taylor's may have the sexiest fruit of the three, but this seems to have the most muscle. It is true that the balance on the two just might be affecting that perception. Taylor's has a bit more mid-palate depth to soak up the power. Still, if Taylor's is flashier and richer in 2016, this seems even more serious. In the long lifespan of Ports, to be sure, it won't be unusual for them to keep flipping back and forth. Admittedly, this is also probably the hardest to read. Still, I couldn't help but think that this might have slightly more upside potential. Check in around 2060 or so to see if I'm right. (Send me an email if you don't think so. I want to hear from you.)
On this second look, this Fonseca is still remarkably expressive, lifted and gloriously fresh, even with that slight closing. It has reasonable mid-palate concentration but even better intensity of flavor. Despite that intensity of flavor, it is not quite as sexy as it is in some years, at least not yet, as the tannins are firmly in charge. That isn't changing anytime soon. This rather stern Fonseca simply revels in its brilliant structure. This is a Port that demands cellaring if you want it to be all it can be. You and it will profit from at least 10 more years of cellaring. Doubling that will help a lot more.
97 points
Mark Squires - Wine Advocate #240 (Dec 2018)

The 2016 Fonseca Vintage Port began to be picked on 21 September at their Panascal vineyard, their Quinta do Cruzeira vineyard not picked until 6 October. It is deep, almost inky in colour. The bouquet is very intense with luscious black fruit laced with embers, clove and hints of bay leaf. There is wonderful purity here and a broodiness that suggests you'd better be patient. The palate is sweet and lively on the entry with some gorgeous ginger and curry leaf notes littered over the compact black fruit. There is wonderful density to this Fonseca. It is like a coiled spring with so much energy towards the finish that you just know this will be a long-term prospect. Superb. Production is 4,900 cases.
96 points
Neal Martin - Vinous

Lots of ripe fruit here with raisins and wet earth that turn to violets and hot stones. Full-bodied, tannic and powerful with fantastic grip and intensity. Grabs you. Impressive. Drink in 2025.
98 points
jamessuckling.com

This leads in with bramble, spearmint and blueberry notes, with the energy extending through the core of dark plum, blackberry and fig fruit. The finish features a strong graphite spine, allowing this to draw deep water, but this remains stylish in feel overall. The definition of suave. Best from 2030 through 2055. 4,900 cases made.
97 points
James Molesworth - Wine Spectator

Delivery Information
- 95
2003 Fonseca Porto Vintage Port

Douro Valley, PORTUGAL
$195. 00
Bottle
$2340.00 Dozen

Cellar: 8 - 10 Years (2018-2020)

ABV: 20.5%

Closure: Cork

Totally opaque dark red purple colour with deep dark red purple hue. The nose displays aromas of marzipan, liquorice, spice, raisins and fine old brandy spirit. The palate is a super concentrate of liquorice, raisins, aniseed and black cherry with a warm spicy brandy finish displaying exceptional depth. Very long liquorice, aniseed, marzipan and spicy warm brandy aftertaste. Bottled in 2005.
Cellar 8-10 years (2018-2020).
20.5% Alc

Other Reviews...
Sporting an opaque, black-colored robe with dark purple trim, the 2003 Fonseca Vintage Port exhibits a nose of profound depth. Its sweet black mass of dark fruit and spice aromas leads to a character of immense depth, richness, and weight. Full-bodied, viscous, and almost impenetrable, this dense, backward port is powerful and exceptionally long in the finish. Possibly the most masculine Fonseca I’ve ever encountered, it coats the taster’s palate with licorice, jammy black fruits, and notes of chocolate that last for over a minute. This blockbuster will require at least three decades to fully blossom. Anticipated maturity: 2035-2060
96+ points
Pierre Rovani – Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate

Delivery Information
- 93
Fonseca Waterloo Edition Finest Reserve Port

PORTUGAL
$44. 99
Bottle
$539.88 Dozen

Cellar: 6 - 8 Years (2021-2023)

ABV: 20%

Closure: Cork

Impenetrable midnight black colour with a deep dark crimson red black hue. Aromas of Morello and black cherries are intertwined with liquorice notes underpinned by some raisins and very fine brandy spirit. Very rich, luscious flavours of Morello cherries and liquorice swamp the front palate with underlying fine brandy spirit, subtle marzipan and spicy raisins. The finish is a touch warm with a medium to long aftertaste of ripe Morello cherries, liquorice, brandy spirit, marzipan and spice.
Drink over the next 6-8 years.
Alc. 20%

Delivery Information
- 96
2009 Fonseca Late Bottled Vintage Port

PORTUGAL
$49. 99
Bottle
$599.88 Dozen

Cellar: 6 - 8 Years (2021-2023)

ABV: 20%

Closure: Cork

Late bottled Vintage Port is bottled later than a Vintage Port and since it spends a longer time in wood is ready to drink earlier. The Fonseca Unfiltered LBV is aged in oak vats, where it gradually matures. It is then drawn off into bottle with no fining or filtration.

Magnificent totally impenetrable inky black colour with a very deep dark crimson red black hue. The nose displays intense liquorice, blackberry and black cherry top notes followed by some marzipan, finely integrated spirit and spicy raisin end notes. Rich, full bodied and luscious the palate is packed with flavours of liquorice and Morello cherries followed by some marzipan and Christmas cake with a very spicy finish. There’s a touch of heat present with firm but finely integrated tannins. Long aftertaste of liquorice, Morello cherries, marzipan and spicy Christmas cake.
Cellar 6-8 years.
Alc 20%

Delivery Information
- 96
2007 Fonseca Vintage Port (375ml)

Douro Valley, PORTUGAL
$79. 99
Bottle
$959.88 Dozen

Cellar: 10 - 15 Years (2020-2025)

ABV: 20%

Closure: Cork

Opaque black purple colour with deep purple hue. The nose is a little subdued with aromas of liquorice, morello cherry, raisin and spice emerging followed by a very fine brandy spirit end note. The palate displays superb concentration with mouthfilling flavours of liquorice, aniseed and blackberry with perfectly integrated very fine brandy spirit. Excellent length with very fine grained tannin structure. Very long aftertaste of liquorice, aniseed, ripe spicy blackberry and brandy spirit with a dry finish. Bottled in 2009.
Cellar 10-15 years (2020-2025)
20.0% Alc

Other Reviews….
The 2007 Fonseca Vintage Port is opaque purple-colored with a high-class perfume of lavender, Asian spices, pencil lead, incense, and an amalgam of black fruits. On the palate it is voluminous with layered, succulent fruit, outstanding density, and excellent integration of tannin, acidity, and alcohol. The long finish and the wine’s impeccable balance suggest a lengthy evolution and a drinking window extending out to 2045.
94 points
Jay Miller – Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate

Delivery Information
- 95
2003 Fonseca Porto Vintage Port (375ml)

Douro Valley, PORTUGAL
$110. 00
Bottle
$1320.00 Dozen

Cellar: 8 - 10 Years (2018-2020)

ABV: 20.5%

Closure: Cork

Totally opaque dark red purple colour with deep dark red purple hue. The nose displays aromas of marzipan, liquorice, spice, raisins and fine old brandy spirit. The palate is a super concentrate of liquorice, raisins, aniseed and black cherry with a warm spicy brandy finish displaying exceptional depth. Very long liquorice, aniseed, marzipan and spicy warm brandy aftertaste. Bottled in 2005.
Cellar 8-10 years (2018-2020).
20.5% Alc

Other Reviews….
Sporting an opaque, black-colored robe with dark purple trim, the 2003 Fonseca Vintage Port exhibits a nose of profound depth. Its sweet black mass of dark fruit and spice aromas leads to a character of immense depth, richness, and weight. Full-bodied, viscous, and almost impenetrable, this dense, backward port is powerful and exceptionally long in the finish. Possibly the most masculine Fonseca I’ve ever encountered, it coats the taster’s palate with licorice, jammy black fruits, and notes of chocolate that last for over a minute. This blockbuster will require at least three decades to fully blossom. Anticipated maturity: 2035-2060.
96+ points
Pierre Rovani – Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate

Delivery Information
- 99
2011 Fonseca Porto Vintage Port (750ml)

Douro Valley, PORTUGAL
$145. 00
Bottle
$1740.00 Dozen

ABV: 20%

Closure: Cork

Of the three classic vintages declared in the last decade, 2011 is set to cast a long shadow over 2003 and 2007, re-affirming that this is indeed a golden buying opportunity to secure these superb and rare fortifieds.

Bottled in 2013. Outstanding inky black purple colour with very deep black purple hue that stains the sides of the glass. Nosing results in an intense aromatic sniff of liquorice allsorts, morello cherry and blackberry infused with beautifully integrated fine brandy spirit followed by some vanilla, raisins and spice. Thick, luscious and ultra rich flavours of liquorice, blackberries and morello cherries fully encompass every crevasse of the palate followed by some fine old brandy spirit, subtle raisins and spice. Dry finish. The wines outstanding power and concentration are perfectly counterpointed by firm seemingly assertive tannins that provide some grip yet are obscured by the Port's overwhelming richness and density. Exceptionally long liquorice, blackberry, morello cherry, raisins, fine brandy spirit and spice aftertaste.
Cellar 20-30 years plus (2024 - 2034)
Alc 20%

Other Reviews... The Fonseca 2011 is typically more forthcoming on the nose compared to the bashful Croft: a strident bouquet with lifted scents of freshly picked blackberries, kirsch, crushed stone and a dash of Hoi Sin and oyster sauce. It is very well-defined, very focused and direct. The palate is silky smooth with not a rough edge in sight, though not a typically voluptuous Fonseca because of the keen thread of acidity and the structure that lends this mighty Port wonderful backbone. A slight viscosity on the finish lacquers the tongue and indicates a core of sweet fruit is ticking away underneath that will surely explode several years after bottling. A tincture of salted licorice on the aftertaste is very attractive. This will turn out to become an outstanding Fonseca, the growing season taming its exuberance with spectacular results. So much potential, but just 6,000 cases were produced. Tasted May 2013.
97-99 points - Neal Martin - Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate

Massive, concentrated and powerful, this offers lush, heady flavors of dark plum, blackberry and cherry tart, with touches of anise. Shows plenty of grip as well, featuring a long, rich finish of dark chocolate, toffee and cream. Best from 2040 through 2060. From Portugal.
-K.M. 98 points - Wine Specatator

Delivery Information
- 94
2001 Fonseca Porto Quinta do Panascal Vintage Port 375ml

Douro Valley, PORTUGAL
$49. 99
Bottle
$599.88 Dozen

Cellar: 6 - 8 Years (2016-2018)

ABV: 20.5%

Closure: Cork

A Quinta do Panascal Vintage Port is produced only when a general Fonseca declaration is not made, as this wine forms the backbone of a Fonseca Vintage Port blend. The decision to bottle a Quinta do Vintage is taken when the wine is judged to be of exceptional quality. The wine will spend two years ageing in vat before being bottled and will be released when it is ready to drink, normally 10 years after the harvest.

Bottled in 2003, the colour is holding up well displaying an opaque dark crimson red colour with dark red mauve hue. The nose displays lifted aromas of liquorice allsorts, marzipan and spice with a leather end note emerging. The palate possesses great concentration with flavours of liquorice, aniseed and blackberry overlaid by a warm spicy brandy spirit showing some heat on the finish. Long aftertaste of liquorice, aniseed and raisin.
Cellar 6-8 years to allow further integration of the spirit (2016-2018)
Alc 20.5%

Delivery Information
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2016 Fonseca Vintage Port (375ml)

Douro Valley, PORTUGAL
$99. 99
Bottle
$1199.88 Dozen

Cellar: 15 - 20 Years (2034-2039)

ABV: 20.5%

Closure: Cork

Impenetrable glass staining pitch black colour with a youthful looking deep dark red black hue. The nose sings a glorious tune of ripe Morello cherries, marzipan and liquorice with ripe blackberry, vanilla, fine brandy spirit and spicy raisins the back drop. The palate is slightly heavier and possesses a shade more intensity and opulence than the Taylors with rich, voluminous fruit flooding the mouth in decadent fashion. Cascading waves of liquorice allsorts, blackberries, black and Morello cherries sit over vanillin confectionary, marzipan like characters and spicy raisins. Spectacular power and concentration with very structured, firm, chewy tannins. Superb integration of spirit and a finish that never seems to end.
Cellar 15-20 years plus.
Alc. 20.5%

Other Reviews....
The 2016 Vintage Port is a field blend sourced from the typical three Quintas (Panascal in the Tavora Valley and Quinta do Cruzeiro and Quinta de St Antonio in the Pinhão Valley). This was not quite bottled when first seen (set for a week later). It is now in the USA. It was aged for 20 months in wood and comes in with 99 grams of residual sugar. This dry and focused Fonseca was, in my initial July 2018 report, the pick of the Fladgate Group's litter in 2016. What has most changed in this issue is that Taylor's is showing a lot better while this has closed down a bit more. This is not seriously diminished, though. It is pretty brilliant. If you want that old-school power, it comes with Fonseca in this vintage. Taylor's may have the sexiest fruit of the three, but this seems to have the most muscle. It is true that the balance on the two just might be affecting that perception. Taylor's has a bit more mid-palate depth to soak up the power. Still, if Taylor's is flashier and richer in 2016, this seems even more serious. In the long lifespan of Ports, to be sure, it won't be unusual for them to keep flipping back and forth. Admittedly, this is also probably the hardest to read. Still, I couldn't help but think that this might have slightly more upside potential. Check in around 2060 or so to see if I'm right. (Send me an email if you don't think so. I want to hear from you.)
On this second look, this Fonseca is still remarkably expressive, lifted and gloriously fresh, even with that slight closing. It has reasonable mid-palate concentration but even better intensity of flavor. Despite that intensity of flavor, it is not quite as sexy as it is in some years, at least not yet, as the tannins are firmly in charge. That isn't changing anytime soon. This rather stern Fonseca simply revels in its brilliant structure. This is a Port that demands cellaring if you want it to be all it can be. You and it will profit from at least 10 more years of cellaring. Doubling that will help a lot more.
97 points
Mark Squires - Wine Advocate #240 (Dec 2018)

The 2016 Fonseca Vintage Port began to be picked on 21 September at their Panascal vineyard, their Quinta do Cruzeira vineyard not picked until 6 October. It is deep, almost inky in colour. The bouquet is very intense with luscious black fruit laced with embers, clove and hints of bay leaf. There is wonderful purity here and a broodiness that suggests you'd better be patient. The palate is sweet and lively on the entry with some gorgeous ginger and curry leaf notes littered over the compact black fruit. There is wonderful density to this Fonseca. It is like a coiled spring with so much energy towards the finish that you just know this will be a long-term prospect. Superb. Production is 4,900 cases.
96 points
Neal Martin - Vinous

Lots of ripe fruit here with raisins and wet earth that turn to violets and hot stones. Full-bodied, tannic and powerful with fantastic grip and intensity. Grabs you. Impressive. Drink in 2025.
98 points
jamessuckling.com

This leads in with bramble, spearmint and blueberry notes, with the energy extending through the core of dark plum, blackberry and fig fruit. The finish features a strong graphite spine, allowing this to draw deep water, but this remains stylish in feel overall. The definition of suave. Best from 2030 through 2055. 4,900 cases made.
97 points
James Molesworth - Wine Spectator

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